Mexican Oregano Plants

General Description

• Mexican oregano plants, whose Latin name is Lippia graveolens, are bigger and bushier than other types. In the wild, the plants can reach heights of 5 feet. They have skinny, frail branches that protrude at chaotic angles and arches, which can be somewhat controlled by pruning. Their ribbed dark green leaves are tiny, about one-third of an inch long and one-eighth of an inch wide, and have a strong scent. Mexican oregano plants develop little five-pointed flowers at the ends of their branches several times a year.

Cultivation

• If you live in hot, dry climate, you can easily grow Mexican oregano in your garden or in pots or other containers on porches and decks. It loves lots of heat, full sun and a well-drained, nutrient rich soil. Although it’s best to keep the soil moist, the plants can endure long periods of drought without faltering. Conversely, cold and wet climates will kill Mexican oregano. To grow it indoors, choose a windowsill with southern exposure in a relatively cool, well-ventilated room. Check the plants periodically for mealy bugs, spider mites and whiteflies and immediately eradicate them.

Culinary Applications

• Mexican oregano has a stronger flavor than other varieties, so use a bit less than recipes recommend. Use it to spice up conventional preparations of sausage, meatballs, tomato-based sauces, pizza and fish or in traditional Mexican dishes such as salsas, adobos, pozoles and rajas. The thicker stems add flavor to shish kebabs when used to skewer the chunks of meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Adding Mexican oregano branches to charcoal grill fires infuses the food with a mild taste of oregano.

Other Oreganos

• The most commonly used oregano in the U.S. is Origanum vulgare, which includes Italian, Sicilian and Greek oregano. Turkistan oregano originated in central Asia, and showy oregano comes from several Mediterranean regions. Cuban oregano, also called Spanish thyme, is neither oregano nor thyme but a member of the mint family. Cuban oregano is native to Africa and resembles Mexican oregano in its shrub-like growth patterns as well as in pungency of taste and aroma.